Wake up inside a make-up compact: Airbnb unveils life-size Polly Pocket home

By now, you’ve probably come across one of the many special properties that Airbnb has created for its Icons series. From the Barbie Dreamhouse to Shrek’s swamp, users of the platform have been given the chance to immerse themselves in some of pop culture’s most recognisable worlds.

More recently, Airbnb has returned to the huge catalogue of toys belonging to Mattel and has come up with something equally as imaginative as its previous instalments: the chance to stay inside Polly Pocket’s 90s-era compact.

Originally created by the late British designer Chris Wiggs for his daughter in 1983, Polly Pocket soon hit the shelves, capturing the imagination of children everywhere and eventually leading to its takeover by Mattel in 1983.

The Polly Pocket line of toys includes various dolls, figures, accessories, vehicles and, of course, the centrepiece of the whole collection – Polly’s home, inside a make-up compact. It’s this downsized interior full of intricate shapes and colours that has become the focal point for Airbnb’s latest addition to the Icons series.

Situated in Littleton, Massachusetts, Polly’s once pocket-sized home is now a 42-foot-tall version of its former self, complete with 90s-themed furniture, clothes, accessories, make-up and food. Attention has been paid to every little detail, from the impossibly pink surroundings right down to the gummy texture of Polly’s beloved garments. The Airbnb listing is also written by Polly herself, apparently... excitedly inviting nostalgic would-be guests for a “Playdate at my place! You in?... I left everything just the way you remember it – from all the way back in ’94! Can you believe it’s been that long?!”

Much like Barbie’s Dreamhouse, this life-size compact stands out against its tranquil, green surroundings, thanks to the bold hues of its exterior and interior. Pink and purple pastels dominate and are accompanied by splashes of colour from yellow rugs, chairs and stairs, as well as the teal of a TV set, fridge, fireplace and sofa.

Guests who stay at the property will have 24-hour access to the compact, where they can try on clothes, hair and nail accessories, feast on a retro-themed selection of snacks, make friendship bracelets, and snuggle amongst some pillows to watch a film in the lounge. When it’s time to sleep, you can choose the pullout couch or a life-size version of Polly’s Action Park Tent, situated a short walk from the compact.

The Polly Pocket compact is only available to rent for three one-night stays, from 12-14 September 2024, at $89 (£70) per guest. For those unable to snag an overnight stay, Airbnb is also offering 21 different experiences from 16 September – 6 October, each hosted at the property, for up to 12 guests each. You can request to book from 21-28 August.